Your swimming pool is ready to resume service, but are you sure that it is really safe for you and your potential tenants? Here’s how to prevent risks and make sure you’re adequately insured.
The confinement and the impossibility of traveling for two years have prompted many of you to acquire a swimming pool or a second home with a water point. However, a recent study conducted for Allstate Insurance suggests that pandemic-related restrictions may have had a negative impact on swimming skills and water safety. In addition, nearly three-quarters of respondents who rent their cottage do not fully understand their liability insurance coverage, among other things.
Like a fish in water!
“It’s obvious, but it’s essential to make it clear: first of all, you have to make sure you’re comfortable when you’re in the water, to be able to swim or, if not, to wear protective jackets. Children should always be under adult supervision. We repeat it a lot, but it is very important, because unfortunately every year tragedies occur in a few seconds because of negligence”, underlines Patrizia D’Ignazio, senior director, business development, Allstate Insurance.
A local regulatory space
Also, landlords must make protective equipment available to their tenants and provide them with a list of rules aimed at limiting access to aquatic equipment. The water access area must also be secure and the law now obliges all owners of swimming pools, new or old, to enclose their basin.
“There are different regulations depending on the city, in particular with regard to the height of the barrier and its distance from the swimming pool, continues Mr.me From Ignazio. You must therefore contact your municipality to find out the details of the local regulations. Do not neglect the maintenance of your swimming pool either (cleaning the pump and filters, and checking the pH of the water, etc.) to bathe in a healthy place.
Adequately insure
These regulations as well as the proper maintenance of your swimming pool are essential to enjoy the pleasures of swimming in complete safety, but also for insurance.
“The fundamental principle of insurance is to cover accidents and unforeseen events. However, if the claim results from demonstrated poor maintenance, it may not be covered,” explains Patrizia D’Ignazio.
Also, so-called standard or conventional home insurance does not cover the risks associated with running a business or generating income from the property. If you rent your swimming pool or a chalet equipped with a swimming pool or access to water, you must notify your insurer so that he can make the appropriate changes to the policy and insure the risks associated with this type of rental. “The landlord’s civil liability, which amounts to a standard one million dollars in damages, could be doubled for an additional $15 to $30 a year,” says Ms.me D’Ignazio.
This information is particularly important to know for pool rental companies, who are more and more numerous. Indeed, today, you can rent your own swimming pool for a few hours using an application (see details in our article). A simple way to earn extra income on the condition of respecting the safety rules and ensuring that you are properly insured.
>> To read also: How to arrange your swimming pool in a safe way and Safety standards for swimming pools: reprieve in sight?
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